Dr. Erik Navas talks about Keratoconus in a Segment for Milenio TV

Dr. Erik Navas Villar, Co-Director of the Cornea Service and Associate Physician of the Anterior Segment and Refractive Surgery Service at CODET Vision Institute, recently participated in a segment for “Buena Mañana” on Milenio TV. During the segment, he discussed keratoconus, its symptoms, and the different ways to treat it after diagnosis.

Keratoconus represents a type of corneal ectasia, a condition where constant eye rubbing weakens the cornea and changes its shape. Without treatment, the cornea bulges outward and forms a cone shape. This shape distortion leads to blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and persistent difficulties with sight.

Doctors almost always diagnose keratoconus between the ages of 12 and 18. This happens because the condition often develops in adolescents. Ocular allergies, which cause excessive eye rubbing, play a significant role in weakening the corneas of these young individuals.

dR. nAVAS EXPLAINED

Dr. Navas explained two types of treatments. The first, called crosslinking, involves applying vitamin B drops to the cornea and activating them with ultraviolet light. This process strengthens the cornea and halts the disease’s progression, with a slight improvement in vision as a potential benefit. The second treatment, known as CARES, inserts a stromal ring from a donor cornea. This ring functions like a belt, supporting the bulging area of the cornea and restoring stability.

Dr. Navas concluded the segment by urging the public to discourage young people from rubbing or scratching their eyes. He emphasized the importance of prevention in reducing the risk of developing keratoconus.

“I believe prevention is the most important thing,” he stated. “We need to take great care of our young people and teach them to avoid rubbing their eyes or sleeping with their hands pressed against them.”